Matchweek 7 of ISL Fantasy will continue to test the managers as it will be the second matchweek running where it will be a mix of double and blank matchweek.

Chennaiyin FC will play twice while Mohammedan SC will sit out of the matchweek and get a much-needed break.

A blank and double matchweeks calls for managers to tweak their long-term strategy to cash in on short-term gains and also protect against losses in the shorter term.

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Matchweek 7 will kick off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant travelling to upbeat Hyderabad FC who will be looking to build on their 4-0 win at Mohammedan SC. Punjab FC will then host Chennaiyin FC before FC Goa entertain Bengaluru FCon Saturday after a one-day Diwali break.

Sunday’s double header will see NorthEast United FC host Odisha FC before Mumbai City FC welcome Kerala Blasters FC to the Mumbai Football Arena. The matchweek will conclude with Jamshedpur FC’s game against Chennaiyin FC in Jamshedpur.

As we inch closer to the MW7 deadline, here is the Best ISL fantasy XI for matchweek 7

Formation: 3-4-3

Goalkeepers

Vishal Kaith (₹5.9 crore - Mohun Bagan SG): The Mariners have kept two clean sheets in their last two matches and take on Hyderabad FC who barring their last game have struggled to score goals. With clean sheets, a rarity in ISL these days, Mohun Bagan and Kaith are the safest bet for a clean sheet in Matchweek 7.

Defenders

Subhasish Bose (₹5 crore - Mohun Bagan SG): Mohun Bagan SG’s Mr Consistent is another hot pick for MW7 as the Mariners have a solid chance of keeping a clean sheet. Apart from the shutout points, Bose has accumulated 12 points for passes completed and interceptions won so far. He also has two goals and an assist to his name making him a great pick not just for MW7 but also for the long term.

Tiri (₹5.5 crore - Mumbai City FC): The Islanders have kept just one clean sheet this season but have looked very strong at home. The Spaniard especially has been solid at the back and has also looked a threat at the other end. Although he has just one goal to show for it, he has constantly been getting on the end of attacking crosses. Tiri is also a points magnet when it comes to passes completed and has accumulated 12 points from his ability to find a pass.

Rahul Bheke (₹5 crore - Bengaluru FC): The Blues finally conceded a goal in their away match against Kerala Blasters FC but are yet to concede from open play this season. They will be tested against FC Goa who have scored in every match so far but Bengaluru FC have been so strong defensively that they are hard to back against. Bheke also has 15 points just from passes completed and interceptions won, making him a very safe bet.

Midfielders

Greg Stewart (₹10 crore - Mohun Bagan SG): Stewart is Mohun Bagan SG’s second-highest scoring player in ISL Fantasy after Bose and has already delivered three assists and scored a goal. The Scottish midfielder is a proven performer in the ISL and has looked more at home with every passing game in the Mariners’ midfield. Up against a Hyderabad FC side that are still finding its feet, Stewart is a one of the must-have for MW7.

Connor Shields (₹7 crore - Chennaiyin FC): With Chennaiyin FC enjoying a double matchweek in MW7, Shields has emerged as an excellent buy especially at the price. The midfielder has already provided three assists so far this season and is starting to develop an excellent understanding with his forward. Up against Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC who have kept just two clean sheets among them so far this season, Shields is a very good pick.

Imran Khan (₹6.3 crore - Jamshedpur FC): The midfielder has been excellent for Jamshedpur FC and has looked at his best under Khalid Jamil. No other Indian player has recorded more assists than Imran Khan in the ISL this season (4) and he would fancy his chances against a Chennaiyin FC side that has been leaking goals this season. At a price of just ₹6.3 crore, he is a real bargain to have in MW7.

Hugu Boumous (₹8.5 crore - Odisha FC): The midfielder has been in great form for Odisha FC this season and has recorded five assists so far in ISL Fantasy, the most by any player. NorthEast United FC have been leaking goals this season and Boumous is the best bet from the Kalinga Warriors to get an attacking return in MW7 especially with uncertainty over who will start upfront for Odisha FC>

Forwards

Nikos Karelis (₹7 crore - Mumbai City FC): One of the top bargain buys of the ISL Fantasy season, Karelis already has three goals and an assist under his belt so far this season. He has scored in Mumbai City FC’s last two games and will fancy his chances against Kerala Blasters FC side that haven’t kept a clean sheet in 17 ISL games. The Yellow Army have a poor record in Mumbai and Karelis will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing the Blasters at home.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (₹8.2 crore - NorthEast United FC): Ajaraie equaled Elano’s record of scoring in six consecutive games at the start of an ISL season. He has ten goal contributions and is an absolute must-have in your ISL Fantasy team. Up against an Odisha FC side that have not kept a clean sheet this season, Ajaraie will be the go-to pick for your ISL Fantasy team.

Wilmar Jordan Gil (₹9.5 crore - Chennaiyin FC): The Chennaiyin FC forward is in red-hot form having scored three in his last two games and becomes an automatic choice in a double gameweek for the Marina Machans. Gil has a great track record in the ISL and will be wanting to prove a point against his former club, Punjab FC.

Substitutes

Goalkeeper: Samik Mitra (₹4.9 crore - Chennaiyin FC): Owen Coyle’s team aren’t the strongest defensively but have had a really strong away record this season. With two games for Chennaiyin FC this MW, Mitra is a great backup goalkeeper to have as he is certain to accumulate more points than most goalkeepers. His low price means he can be afforded to be left on the bench.

Defender: Nikhil Prabhu (₹5.1 crore - Punjab FC): The Punjab FC defender has averaged six points per matchweek this season and the Shers have looked very solid at the back. He has 12 points for passes completed and interceptions won in just four matchweeks. He may not make a case for a starting place but is a very good player to have on the bench in MW7.

Defender: Hmingthanmawia (₹4.4 crore - Mumbai City FC): The young Islanders defender has been very impressive this season and has nailed a spot in the starting XI. At a price for just ₹4.4 crore, he is a great squad player to have especially with him racking up 15 points for passes completed and interceptions won so far this season.

Midfielder: Udanta Singh (₹6.5 crore - FC Goa): The FC Goa midfielder has been among the points helping himself to a goal and an assist so far this season. He has been thriving under Manolo Marquez. He will be fired up to face his former club Bengaluru FC and makes for a great player to have on the bench.